lately

Everyday

1. Recently; in the time just before now: I have been tired lately. tree →
2. (rare, old-fashioned) Not long ago; formerly: lately of London. tree →

In the lessons

Used in everyday talk about things that have been happening over the last days or weeks, usually with «have been» or «has»: «What have you been up to lately?». It tells the reader something is a recent pattern, not a single event. Phrases: just lately, of late (formal), lately I have noticed.

Examples

• Have you seen Sam lately? tree →
• It has been really rainy lately. tree →
• Lately I have been reading lots of mystery books. tree →
• My little brother has been grumpy lately. tree →
• What have you been up to lately? tree →
• The bus has been late a lot lately. tree →
• Prices have gone up lately. tree →
• Just lately, the cat has started sleeping on my bed. tree →
• By the way, what sort of weather have you been having lately?" tree →

Note

Usually used with the present perfect («have been», «has gone»), not with a single past moment: say «I saw her recently», not «I saw her lately». Do not confuse with «late» (after the right time) or «later» (after this time). «Lately» does NOT mean «in a late way».